Category Archives: Electrical

Is your electrical panel labeled properly?

If your panel is not properly marked up it may be in your best benefit to do so. Watch the video below for an overview on a properly labeled panel.

Now lets go over some of the key points of the video.

Electrical Meter – This is the circular glass enclosed meter that the power company can read to take reading on your home and the electrical usage.

Single Pull Breakers – All are 120 volts. More than likely you will have two different sizes on the single pull. 15 amp & 20 amp. The 15 amp breakers are generally for your lighting and other power receptacles in your home and hallways. You 20 amp breakers are more for your appliances such as your dishwasher, freezers and microwaves.

Double Pull Breakers – All 240 volts. These are for major appliances such as your dryer, stove, air conditioning unit.

Main Breaker – Shuts off all power for the electrical panel

Maintenance

Make sure you label your circuit breakers for in the instance you need to have power shut off to a particular area or appliance. You can do this by being on the phone and communicating when the power shuts off and on with the corresponding breaker.

Make sure you power cords that come out of each breaker are secure and not loose. You can give these a small touch or wiggle as shown in the video to make sure your connections are tight. This is the number one cause of an issue is a loose connection. Black wires are power for your single pull 120 volt. A combination of black and red wires are for your double pull 240 volt breakers. White wires are your neutrals. Bare copper wires are your ground wires. Neutral and ground wires come together. If you are uncomfortable with looking at and knowing how to handle your electrical panel it is recommended to consult a professional electrician like the ones at www.bestsarasotacountyelectrician.com

In the case of an emergency, it is also good to let your kids know and understand how to look at a properly labeled panel to be able to shut down power in the case of a fire or other emergency situation.